This actor’s supreme fitness, super stamina will surprise you. Here’s what he does

Dancer-actor Shantanu Maheshwari, who won the last season of reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi, gives equal importance to being physically and mentally fit. He shares his workout regime, diet plan, and offers some health advice.

Being in the entertainment industry, Shantanu Maheshwari is used to working for long hours at a stretch. At one point last year, he used to shoot for 12 hours for the MTV show, Girls on Top, and then spend five hours rehearsing for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. As a dancer, he is also used to intense practice with his hip-hop crew, Desi Hoppers. No doubt, all of this requires crazy stamina. He recently won the reality show, Khatron ke Khiladi, which he feels is more about mental strength. Here, Maheshwari tells us how he manages to pull it all off:

What’s your fitness regime like?

My fitness regime comprises mainly of a good dance routine. Being physically fit is one thing, but being mentally fit as well as calm and composed for a long day of shoot and rehearsals, is much needed. So, I do a couple of breathing exercises and pranayam first thing in the morning, to prepare myself for a long day ahead.

Do you follow a strict diet?

My day begins with a glass of warm water. Only after which do I eat or drink anything. Breakfast is usually heavy - an omelette, brown bread toast and a glass of milk. Lunch is always a light meal. Three rotis, a green vegetable and yellow dal (the dal is a must). Then, through the day I munch on some chocolate, dry fruits and chana. My dinner again is simple. A dal, sabzi and two rotis. Sometimes I swap roti for rice.

Shantanu Maheshwari works out every day, even if it’s just for 40 minutes.

On your cheat days, what do you binge on?

I have a sweet tooth and get constant cravings for rasgullas and gajar ka halwa. But I have really started to control and minimise them.

Do you take it easy on weekends or work out as usual?

I try and make sure I work out every day, even if it’s just for 40 minutes. Earlier, I wasn’t much of a gym person, since most of my exercise was done through dance, but now I do work on cardio. I am not really into weight lifting and focus more on stretching. I balance both out according to what I have worked on the previous day.

If you feel tired after a dance rehearsal or work out, what do you do to energise yourself?

I usually energise myself with some glucose water. I also make it a point to keep chocolates in my bag when I am rehearsing - they are honestly the best energy boosters!

Did you undertake any special fitness training before signing Khatron ke Khiladi?

I was actually rehearsing for our Desi Hopper’s World of Dance special act before I left to shoot for Khatron ke Khiladi, so I kept myself fit via dance. More than being physically fit, the show is majorly about mental strength.

What would your advice be to people who are just starting out on their fitness journey?

From experience, I can say that working out at a gym isn’t the only way of getting fit. Yes, cardio is always available at the gym, but there are other forms of doing cardio, like dance and even outdoor activities (which I love) like cycling, skipping, playing a good game of cricket, swimming, and running or jogging outdoors.

What’s a common mistake people make while trying to get fit or lose weight?

I feel that crash dieting is wrong and quite unhealthy. Instead, eat in moderation, build yourself a good workout regime, and strive to keep a balance between both. That should honestly work well.